Flavors of the Coastal Bend Returns May 12 with New Student Cook-Off and Beloved Favorites

Flavors of the Coastal Bend Returns May 12 with New Student Cook-Off and Beloved Favorites

Local bites and beverages, a DJ and student culinary battles take center stage

PORT ARANSAS, TX (April 27, 2026) - The Texas Restaurant Association Coastal Bend Chapter will host its fifth annual Flavors of the Coastal Bend on Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Port Royal Ocean Resort in Port Aransas.

The event brings together restaurants, chefs and hospitality partners from across the Coastal Bend for an evening of food tastings and industry engagement along the Texas coast. Attendees will sample dishes from participating restaurants while experiencing a beachfront setting. VIP tickets include lounge access and an open bar. The event is open to the public, with tickets available at: FLAVORS CB

Current participating restaurants and vendors include:

• Alta Vida Tezcal
• Cabana Pantry
• Don Gusto Hospitality
• Freeze King Sno-Kones
• Hometown Seafood
• Island Gatherings
• Jeremiah's Boat Dock Grill
• Jordie's Goodies
• London ISD
• Provecho
• Ruby Ladle
• W.B. Ray High School

New this year, the event will feature the "Flavors of Tomorrow" ProStart cook-off competition. Students from London High School and W.B. Ray High School will compete in a live culinary challenge highlighting emerging talent and workforce development in the restaurant industry. Each team will be paired with a professional chef from the Coastal Bend Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, providing mentorship and real-world experience. The winning team will receive a $500 credit from Mission Restaurant Supply in Corpus Christi to support their culinary programs.

"This event continues to grow because it reflects the passion, creativity and resilience of our Coastal Bend restaurant community," said Matt DeShields, Coastal Bend Chapter chair. "Flavors of the Coastal Bend is an opportunity to support local operators, connect with future industry talent and celebrate what makes our region's food scene unique."

Vendor applications are still being accepted through Tuesday, May 5. Restaurants interested in showcasing their offerings at the event can apply at:
https://fs24.formsite.com/wsaaritramailorg/bwxke5irxu/index

The event is sponsored by Ben E. Keith Foods, with support from Ecolab, Visit Corpus Christi and L&F Distributors of Corpus Christi.

About the Coastal Bend Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the food service industry in Texas. As a key chapter of the TRA, the Coastal Bend Chapter partners with the TRA, the Texas Restaurant Foundation and the 22 other TRA chapters across the state to protect, advance and educate restaurants of all sizes in Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces and San Patricio counties. For more information, visit www.txrestaurant.org/coastalbend.